How To Decline A Job Offer

How to Reject a Job Offer - Politely

Most people think the interview process is only about one thing: whether the company wants to hire them. But interviews also help you decide whether the job, workplace, people and pay are right for you.

So what happens when you get a job offer you don't want?

Before you decline a job offer, ask yourself these questions

There are many reasons to decline a job, and some reasons you should accept a job - even if it's less than perfect for you. Here's how to think it through:

• How much experience do you have? If you are new to work or returning after time away, a less-than-perfect job may still be a helpful step. A few months of steady work can build your resume, give you a recent reference and make it easier to move toward a better job later.
• Have you changed jobs often? Employers look for signs that someone will stay with the company. If your work history includes several short-term jobs, you might want to accept an offer simply to improve your track record. After you've stabilized your work history, it will be easier to find a better job. That does not mean you have to stay forever. It means you are giving your future self more options.
• Are you hoping for an offer from another employer? Most people apply to and interview for multiple jobs at the same time. If you are in this situation, you might receive an offer from your second or third choice employer and wonder if you should take the job and hope for another offer, wait to accept the job, or turn the job down. Our advice: start by asking how quickly they would like a response. It's ok to let the employer know you're evaluating more than one offer and you want to be respectful of their timeline. This will give you time to think clearly.
• Is the pay too low? If the offer you received doesn't pay as well as you hoped, you might be able to negotiate instead of turning the job down. When you have a strong resume and can justify a larger salary, you could say something like, "Based on my experience doing similar work, I was hoping to make (amount). Is there any room to discuss my pay?" You can also ask when and how salary increases are given so that you can understand when you might be able to receive a raise.

How to decide if you are a good fit for the company

Going into any new job can be nerve-wracking. If you get an offer and then suddenly start to wonder if the job is a good fit, consider:

• The work environment. During your interview, pay attention to how people treat you and each other. Were people respectful? Did someone explain the job clearly? Did you feel comfortable asking questions? A workplace does not have to be perfect, but it should feel safe, respectful and organized enough for you to do your best work.
• Online reviews. Looking at websites like Glassdoor or Indeed can help you understand what current and former employees think of the company.

How to politely decline a job offer

If you've decided that a job offer is not right for you, it's important that you let the company know about your choice. The biggest mistake people make when declining a job offer is not responding at all. If you're not interested in a job, let the company know. When you reach out to the recruiter, thank them for their time and their interest in you, explain that you received an offer, and let them know you appreciated the opportunity to interview for this job. Remember, just like you, recruiters change jobs. You never know when you might apply for a different job and run into the same recruiter.

Here’s a simple script you can use:

“Thank you for offering me the [job title] position. I appreciate the time you spent interviewing me and explaining the role. After thinking it over, I have decided not to accept the offer. Thank you again for the opportunity, and I wish you and your team the best.”

What to do if you feel like you can't decline the job

Sometimes you have to accept a job even if it’s not your first choice. If you've been out of work for a while, or are not getting many offers, you might have fewer options. In this case, we suggest you go into your job with the best possible attitude and keep looking. Accepting the job doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re making a practical decision for right now while working towards something better. If you do a job well, you can use them as a reference later. If you come in with a negative attitude, you might lose the job or be in a position where you are afraid to list the employer on your resume. Your career is a long game, not just a single play. Working at a difficult job with a good attitude is an investment in your future self - and you're worth it.

Avoid the problem in the first place

The best way to avoid having to decline a job offer is to only apply for jobs that are a good fit for your skills and abilities. At Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers, we can help you think about how your skills, your knowledge, and your preferences match up with different types of jobs. We're here to support you by connecting you to other resources that can help you overcome challenges like hunger, homelessness, or returning to the workforce after incarceration. We get to know you. We don't judge you. We're here to help.

Need help finding a job or deciding what type of work is right for you? Find a workforce connection center near you.